Apocalypse or a buffet

'Melancholia' unspools at New York fest

“Even 10 minutes in I was like I’m gonna need to read the Cliff’s Notes,” a guest told her friend at the after-party of Magnolia Pictures’ “Melancholia,” the latest film from director Lars Von Trier. The pic, which unspooled Monday at Alice Tully Hall as part of the New York Film Fest, focuses on a planet that may collide with Earth.

Pic’s Kirsten Dunst said she fears earthquakes more than comets, while co-star Charlotte Gainsbourg offered, “I think a slow ending would be terrifying. So I prefer a quick one.”

At the Stone Rose Lounge fete, pic’s Alexander Skarsgard chatted with his “Straw Dogs” co-star Rhys Coiro and Jack McBrayer of “30 Rock” who liked the party offerings. “This is free!” he exclaimed.